£1.3m worth of drugs seized in Doncaster

(L-R) James Kong and Henry Kong were jailed for a total of 13 years in December 2013 after over �70,000 worth of cannabis was found at their home addresses in Doncaster.

Published:14:28Friday 14 November 2014

More than £1.3million of drugs have been seized from 83 properties in Doncaster this year alone, according to new figures.

The majority of the £1,335,567,00 of drugs recovered were cannabis plants.

The news comes as it was revealed there are 2,922 estimated ‘problematic’ drug users in the town – users of heroin and/or cocaine/crack cocaine.

The figures were revealed in a report as part of a discussion on how to tackle the borough’s drug and alcohol problems at Doncaster Council’s Community and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting.

Just days after the report came to light, two Doncaster brothers, who funded a lavish lifestyle involving exotic holidays and expensive cars by growing and selling cannabis, were ordered to pay back over £120,000.

James and Henry Kong were jailed for a total of 13 years after over £70,000 worth of cannabis was found at their home addresses in Doncaster following a series of police raids.

The cannabis discovered in both houses was estimated to have a street value of just over £74,000. Police found that both men had been enjoying lavish lifestyles, making trips abroad to exotic locations like Thailand and the Philippines.

James Kong, 34, of Norborough Road, Wheatley, was charged with production of cannabis, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, as well as possession of a stun gun. He was jailed for six years.

Henry Kong, 37, of Central Boulevard, Wheatley Hills, was charged with production of cannabis, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and possession of pepper spray and counterfeit currency. He was jailed for seven years.

Speaking about the drug problem in Doncaster, a report presented at the meeting on November 6 said in Doncaster 1,800 people are in drug treatment.

However, according to the report overall “drug offences” in Doncaster were said to have fallen year on year from 2011 from 1036 to 620.

It added: “37 per cent of all clients are referred through the criminal justice system.

“Professional referrals and self referrals are the two other main referral sources.”

Dr Tony Baxter, Director of Public Health, said: “Drug misuse is a national problem and we are committed to tackling the issue in Doncaster.”

n If you or someone you are close to needs help with a drug or alcohol problem, then speak to your GP or contact Doncaster Drug and Alcohol Services on 01302 730956.